First introduced as a concept at last year's CES, Samsung followed up this year with a demo of a working Evolution Kit, the heart and brains of Samsung's 7000, 8000, and 9000 Smart TV models. Inside each black box are the CPU, memory and GPU driving all the interactive features of their latest displays, and the kits allow older sets to bump up specs for "a few hundred dollars" according to Samsung reps on the floor...

Sadly, my own 7000 series Samsung model is one year too old to qualify for the Evolution Kit. But I'm happy to see an upgradable route for owners who aren't looking to replace their sets quite yet for 4K displays looming on the horizon (and this year's CES was all about a 4K future). No word yet on exact pricing, but availability it pegged for this year (Amazon already has a placeholder for the kits ready)

Today Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announces its Evolution Kit ahead of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 8th-11th 2013.

The Evolution Kit, was introduced for the first time at CES 2012 and is an innovative concept that enables Samsung's 7000, 8000 and 9000 2012 Smart TV models to evolve into Samsung's new 2013 Smart TVs. By simply attaching the Evolution Kit device into the back of a Samsung Smart TV, consumers can enjoy the latest features that the 2013 Smart TVs have to offer.

With hardware enhancements, such as CPU, memory and GPU up to the level of the latest Smart TV, users can enjoy faster speeds for browsing the Internet and multitasking by using apps while watching TV.

In addition, Samsung's Smart Interaction features such as voice control and motion control become enhanced and once the Evolution Kit is attached to the slot the 2012 Smart Hub is transformed to 2013 version.

The Evolution Kit is the optimal solution for users as it allows them to always experience the latest service of Samsung Smart TV with their existing 2012 7000, 8000 and 9000 Smart TVs even though hardware or software specifications continue to improve in the future. The Evolution Kit includes the new 2013 Smart Hub which shows five different panels where consumers can enjoy a wide range of content including Live TV programs, VODs, apps and Internet.

Robert King, Vice President Consumer Electronics, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: "The Evolution Kit is a truly innovative concept from Samsung that allows consumers to enjoy the latest features and services every year without having to purchase a brand new TV."